Page 91 of Knot Like Other Girls

"Thank you," she says, withdrawing her hand, trailing it down my neck and chest. "For letting me."

I open my eyes, baffled by her gratitude. "I don't understand you."

Her smile widens, a real one this time. "That's okay. You don't have to."

She settles back against me, her head finding that spot under my chin that feels like it was carved out just for her. Like we're puzzle pieces that were always meant to fit together.

"You should rest," I tell her, suddenly aware of how exhausted she must be. Heat takes a toll, even with suppressants to dull the edge. "The worst is over for now, but you'll still feel drained."

Will still need her energy to get through her heat when the suppressants wear off. But I don't say that part.

"Mmm," she hums in agreement, her eyes already drifting closed. "Will you stay?"

I should say no. Should extract myself from this dangerous intimacy before I get too comfortable, too used to the feeling of her in my arms. But the thought of leaving her alone feels like tearing off my own arm.

"Yeah," I murmur. "I'll stay."

Her breath evens out as she drifts toward sleep, her body going soft and pliant against mine. I hold her carefully, like something precious and breakable, though I know she's stronger than she looks.

Strong enough to face down Braxley and his bullshit, strong enough to stand up to the Vanguard alphas when she needs to. Strong enough to touch my scars without flinching.

I don't know what this means. Don't know where we go from here, or if there's even a "we" to worry about. All I know is that right now, in this moment, an omega who could have chosen any alpha in our pack chose me.

Chose the broken one.

And for the first time since the explosion that should have killed me, I'm glad it didn't.

The door creaks open slightly, and I tense, ready to growl a warning at whoever's intruding. But it's just Troy, poking his head in cautiously. He takes in the scene before him—Bella asleep against my chest, my arms wrapped protectively around her—and raises his eyebrows in surprise.

"She okay?" he mouths silently.

I nod. "Suppressants working," I whisper, low enough not to disturb her. "Fever's down."

Relief washes over Troy's face. "Good. That's good." He hesitates, then adds, "And you? You okay, brother?"

The question catches me off guard. Am I okay? Sitting here holding our omega, her scent mingling with mine, her trust a weight both terrifying and precious?

"Yeah," I say under my breath, surprising myself with the truth of it. "I'm good."

A slow grin spreads across Troy's face. He gives me a thumbs up before ducking back out, closing the door softly behind him.

Bella stirs slightly at the sound, nestling closer. I tighten my arms around her instinctively, suddenly afraid to let her go. Afraid this moment will shatter like glass once she wakes, once reality reasserts itself.

But for now, I let myself have this. Let myself believe, just for a little while, that I could be worthy of her trust.

Her touch.

Her choice.

And when she wakes, I'll still be here. Still holding her. Still guarding her sleep like it's the most important duty I've ever been given.

Because it is.

CHAPTER 27

BELLA

Iwake slowly, drifting up from the depths of sleep like a bubble rising through water. The first thing I register is warmth—solid, comforting warmth wrapped around me. A heartbeat that isn't mine thrums steadily against my ear, and a cool, stony scent that's become increasingly familiar fills my lungs with each breath.

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